STAT+: Finally cracking KRAS as a druggable target

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Hiya. Today, we see a proliferation of KRAS, as new data validate a once-undruggable space. Also, a double-edged push for PBM transparency, and the Breakthrough Prize was awarded to researchers for advances in gene therapy and ALS genetics. The need-to-know this morning Novo Nordisk said its experimental oral drug, called etavopivat, reduced the risk of pain crises and improved hemoglobin response in patients with sickle cell disease, achieving the goals of a Phase 3 clinical trial. Eli Lilly is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Kelonia Therapeutics for more than $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal . Kelonia is a privately held developer of so-called in-vivo CAR-T therapies that make engineered cancer-killing cells inside the body. Its lead therapy is being investigated in an early stage study in multiple myeloma. Helus Pharma, developer of psychedelics-based therapies for depression, said CEO Michael Cola has resigned “at the request of the board of directors.” Chairman Eric So was appointed interim CEO. Finally cracking KRAS as a druggable target When Revolution Medicines released results for its drug daraxonrasib in pancreatic cancer patients last week, it finally seemed like there was hope in a condition that has long proven intractable for researchers. But as STAT’s Angus Chen reports, it was the product of years of effort — and could be just the start of a wave of new RAS inhibitors. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…